Getting Along With People

It is easy to get along with those with whom we feel comfortable and somehow connected. It is natural that we may not feel the same level of comfort and connection with some others. Is there some way that spiritual seekers can learn to get along with everyone, connection or no connection, comfort or no comfort? In a spiritual community this question becomes especially important both for collective harmony and individual peace of mind.

Here are a few points that deserve reflection and, if they make sense to us, then remembering these things may help:

1. No one is really “evil,” and this is especially true of those who are trying to lead a spiritual life.
2. Every one of us has our strengths and our weaknesses, and most spiritual seekers are aware of these and are trying to eliminate them.
3. We should try to support and help others in our spiritual community, recognizing that we too have received support and help from others. If this is too difficult, then we can at least pray for others.
4. We don’t always succeed in our efforts and we know it. It is helpful to remember that the same is true for those whose behavior or way of doing things is different from our own, and which we may be tempted to see as character-faults of those people.
5. Just because someone is different from me does not necessarily mean that the person is somehow wrong or bad. It is the variety in human nature and enterprise that makes this world such a wonderful place in which to live and learn.
6. Most importantly, we must never forget that, if it is true that the Divine Presence pervades the entire universe, then everyone and everything we see are permeated by that presence. If I am not able to see God in a person, it is my fault, not that person’s.

I am convinced that sincere reflection and self-introspection will help members of spiritual communities to live in harmony, supporting one another in an atmosphere of mutual respect, understanding and friendship.